Ms. Elaine Yiu has been teaching first grade at AST since 2017. She has wanted to be a teacher since she was in first grade herself; her teacher, Mrs. Corbett, made her feel so welcomed and important to the class and that has inspired her to do the same for her students. Originally from Toronto, Canada, after graduating with an Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa, Elaine spent a year in Korea teaching pre-K before deciding to teach in Taiwan for a year or two. Ten years later, she is still here and enjoying the cultural experience. She has also earned additional qualifications in ESL (Part 1) and Special Education (Part 1 and 2) as accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers. Elaine feels privileged to be working alongside a team of dedicated and passionate educators, but is most excited to be teaching the youngest learners at AST. When Elaine is not in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
Ms. Lillian (Lily) Ip has been in education for 6 years and has worked in Japan,
Canada and Hong Kong. She is excited to be joining the AST community. After
graduating from the University of York with a Bachelor of Science in
Psychology and a CertTESOL, she traveled to Japan to teach English for two
years. Following a ski season spent working and snowboarding in Whistler,
Canada, Ms. Lily returned to her home of Hong Kong, where she became a
certified classroom teacher. She is passionate about fostering a growth
mindset, developing self-regulation strategies, and creating an inclusive
classroom that empowers all learners. Ms. Lily is looking forward to teaching
and learning alongside her students in AST!
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Ms. Janet Erskine calls Portland, Oregon her hometown. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Oregon State University, Janet taught 6th grade students in a small school in Oregon. Then, drawn by a passion for cultural experiences, she spent two years as a first grade teacher in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Returning to the United States, Janet dedicated two decades to raising her son while also continuing her educational journey. She completed her Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Portland State University and became a reading specialist in 2013. While attending school, she taught classes from kindergarten to sixth grade. Janet put her graduate degree to use a couple of years later, acting as a kindergarten and first grade reading/math specialist. She enjoys all ages; however, it is the intermediate grades that have captured her heart. In her spare time, Janet loves reading, traveling, swimming, and hiking. She is excited to join the AST community!
Joanna brings a wealth of cultural insight and a passion for learning to her role
as a teacher at AST, marking a joyous return full-time. Born in the Philippines
and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, she developed a profound
appreciation for the world's cultural and physical wonders. A former Rotary
Youth Exchange student in rural Finland, Joanna initially aspired to join the
United Nations but discovered her true calling in making a direct impact through
teaching. Armed with a BA in International Relations and Diplomacy earned in
Madrid, Spain and an MSc in Elementary Teaching (PACE, NY), she has
dedicated over two decades to serving children in various roles across the globe
in Brooklyn, NY, Silicon Valley, CA, Ghana, West Africa, Abu Dhabi, UAE,
Madagascar, and Taiwan. Joanna believes teaching is the most meaningful
profession- emphasizing kindness, empathy, courage, and social-emotional intelligence in her experiential
approach. She considers it a privilege to guide, coach, motivate, and mentor future leaders. Beyond the
classroom, Joanna is a certified 500 RYT Yoga teacher, and she speaks Spanish, Tagalog, and Finnish.
Her diverse interests include self-development, sailing, soulful world music, mastering a pull-up, savoring
artisanal coffee, and exploration. Having lived in 7 countries and visited 67, she is thrilled to be part of
AST again, particularly captivated by its warm community and the Mother Nature that embraces it.
Ms. Heather Greenfield is thrilled to be joining the AST Community. She began her career in 2010 as a 4th-grade teacher in Box Elder County, Utah. There, Heather taught in the classroom for four years, and then she supported teachers and students as an instructional coach for three years. In 2017, she moved to China where she taught first and fifth grades. After teaching in China for two years, she moved to Jeju, Korea, and taught third grade at Korea International School. Heather earned a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Curriculum and Instruction at Weber State University. Besides having a passion for teaching and learning, Heather loves nature, hiking, and arts and crafts. She especially loves sharing these passions with her students. Heather is excited to move to a city and school where mountain trails are literally outside the door.
Mr. Doyle has been an elementary teacher for the past 15 years. Prior to that, he was in Korea, teaching ESL. He has spent most of his teaching career in lower elementary (Kindergarten to Grade 2). Although originally from Western Canada, he has been living abroad for the past 20 years. He taught for 8 years in Australia in the Victorian State and Catholic systems and for 6 years in Shanghai. He has a Bachelor of Arts: Communications from Simon Fraser University and a Graduate Diploma in Primary Education from Deakin University in Australia. Before his career in education, Mr. Doyle was an event coordinator with a specialization in security and first aid medical services. He enjoys scuba diving and still plays rugby, occasionally, but spends most of his free time adventuring with his wife and two children.
Mr. Derrick Blake has been teaching for the past 12 years and in education for 15 years. He began his career in elementary education teaching 3rd grade in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. In 2013, Mr. Blake began teaching internationally. He has worked in Tianjin, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen throughout his career, teaching grade 1, 3, 4 and 5. Mr. Blake has also held other titles such as Team Lead, and PE teacher. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Mr. Blake believes in exploration and empowering students to be self-directed learners. He is extremely excited to be a part of the AST community!
Ms. Mackenzie Bell is thrilled to join the AST team and explore this new
opportunity in a different part of the world! She is currently pursuing a Master's
degree in International Education from the University of Massachusetts
Amherst, along with a certificate in Digital Media Design and Making in
Education. She holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor
in Special Education from Aurora University. Ms. Bell started her career in 2019
teaching 5th grade in Illinois, where she discovered her passion for teaching
elementary students. Additionally, she has served as an Assistant Coach for the
High School Varsity dance team within the district. With a strong desire to teach
abroad, she moved to Madrid, Spain, in 2021 to teach ESL to 5th and 6th
graders in a public bilingual school. During her summers off, Ms. Bell spends
her time working at an International Summer Camp in the Swiss Alps, where she has the opportunity to
meet and teach students from all over the world. Ms. Bell loves hiking, traveling, reading, and practicing
yoga. Her next goal is to become a certified yoga instructor! She is eager to become a part of the AST
community and looks forward to welcoming her students in the Fall.
Ms. Joyce is excited to be teaching ES Chinese at AST! Prior to working at AST, she had 6 years of teaching experience as a Chinese teacher in public elementary schools in Taipei. She majored in education and received her B.A. from the University of Taipei. Ms. Joyce also has a certificate for teaching Chinese. She was born and raised in Taichung, and currently has one child studying at AST. Ms. Joyce believes that the most important part of learning a language is developing a reading habit. She is working on promoting a classroom library and picture book programs for the early grades. While learning Chinese, children can be immersed in the world of books, feel the culture and cultivate humanistic accomplishments.
In her 15 years as a Texas and International educator, Amber has been privileged to work with students and teachers in a variety of K-12 settings in the U.S., Taiwan, and China. She holds a BA in Education- Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas in Austin. She is also a certified educator in EC-12 TESOL and LOTE- Mandarin Chinese. She has worked as a classroom teacher in grades K-3 in both Title 1 and private sectors. She has also had roles in coordinating AST Summer Camp and after-school programs. Her goal is to create academically engaging learning experiences through an environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and kindness. Committed to sharing her passion for literacy and learning, she also volunteered and organized story time in her neighborhood community.
Amber has been married for 9 glorious years and has a spirited daughter who is turning 4 this year. Whenever she is not teaching, she enjoys reading, music, cooking, church fellowship, and spending time with family and friends. She is very excited and looks forward to being a part of the AST community!
Evelyn Kuo is excited to be back with the AST Coomunity. She began her teaching career in 2011 as a summer camp Chinese teacher in Taipei, Taiwan. In 2013 she moved back to Taichung which was her first time joining AST and taught elementary school Chinese for five years. She left her hometown and started her overseas career in Shanghai since 2019 where she taught grade 1-5 CFL students and participated actively in a school-wide committee “SEL (Social Emotional Learning)”. Evelyn earned her Bachelor degree, Chinese literature at Tunghai university and her Master degree, TCSOL (Teaching Chinese as second/other language) at Taiwan Normal University. She started to study her second masters this spring which focuses on special education. Evelyn enjoys building relationships with her students and school community, and she likes outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming. She has two rabbits with her now.
Ms. Laura Brown is the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) teacher for elementary students at AST. With 19 years of teaching experience in international schools across China, Vietnam, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her new role. Ms. Brown holds a Master of International Education (M.Ed) from the College of New Jersey, a Bachelor of Communications with a major in Journalism from Monash University, Australia, and a certificate of ESL in the Mainstream.
Throughout her career, Ms. Brown has served as an Elementary School Coordinator, presented at the Educators Tri-Association Conference in Monterrey, Mexico, and led extracurricular clubs in watercolor and textiles. She has also taken on leadership roles in conducting school plays and has served on accreditation visits to schools in China, Colombia, and the Philippines.
Ms. Brown continues to enjoy exploring Taiwan with her husband and two high school daughters, all of whom are at AST. A dedicated teacher and life-long learner, she is passionate about the arts and their critical role in child development. She believes that art, theatre, and music are essential to fostering creativity, confidence, expression, and collaboration in young learners. Ms. Brown feels fortunate to be part of the AST team and is excited to inspire her students through the VAPA program.
Ms. Chin has been an integral member of the AST community for the past 7 years, beginning her tenure as a summer camp teacher assistant. Her initial role, driven by a profound passion for collaborating with educators and witnessing the joy of student learning, laid the foundation for her subsequent contributions.
A certified elementary school teacher licensed in Washington D.C., Ms. Chin has a diverse teaching portfolio that includes Chinese and art classes. Additionally, she successfully led a Grade 4 homeroom two years ago and a popular cooking club. Currently, she is responsible for teaching Grade 1 Chinese for the 2024-2025 academic year, while continuing her role as an elementary teacher assistant.
Ms. Chin’s commitment to education is reflected in her dedication to supporting her colleagues and inspiring her students. Her multifaceted experience and unwavering passion for fostering a love of learning underscore her contributions to the AST community.
ES Teaching Assistant, Elementary Visual and Performing Arts
Ms. Maggie Tsou is excited to be the teacher's assistant at AST’s Elementary School. This is her third year at AST. She received her Bachelor's degree in Piano Pedagogy from Brigham Young University-Hawaii and is a certified teacher. This year, she will also be teaching some visual art and performance art (VAPA) classes. With a great passion for helping students learn English and music, Ms. Tsou has been an English and piano tutor for more than 20 years before joining AST. She looks forward to helping students learn and grow.
Mr. Travis Hayes is thrilled to be continuing his educational journey in 台中 for the 2023-2024 school year. This will be his 13th year as an educator and his pedagogy revolves around trust and care in the classroom. Mr. Hayes love supporting his students in their personal growth and is a big believer in fostering positive self-esteem. The remainder of this biography is courtesy of his current students in Vancouver, Canada: “Mr. Hayes is a supportive, kind and energetic teacher who is passionate about his students and he cares about us as people. His new students will have to learn how to be productive and have time management skills because that is a big part of his teaching style. Although his new class will be busy, he is very funny and very kind. He has high expectations, but you can trust him with anything because he is such a positive person and very laid back. Mr. Hayes will always have time to listen, and if you need help with anything (not just homework) he will always be there for you. He likes basketball, working out and Hello-Kitty. Take care of him because he is older than he thinks.”
Felicia is ecstatic to be back at AST for a new school year. She has been teaching middle and high school English for over 18 years and holds a Bachelor’s in English and one in Education from Simon Fraser University in Canada. She is extremely passionate about English Language Arts and hopes to instill even a little bit of her love for reading and writing in her students. In the classroom, she wants to be able to make learning fun and practical and help to nurture more academic curiosity and problem-solvers in her students. She is an avid lifelong learner particularly in humanities type subjects. Felicia and her two children look forward to another year at AST.
Mr. Cravak is excited about learning with and from his fellow AST Eagles. He brings twenty years of teaching and leadership experience (America, Japan, and Taiwan), National Board Certification in English Language Arts, a bachelor's in English Education from Boston University, and a master's in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. An active member of the National Council of Teachers of English, Mr. Cravak continually adapts his style of instruction to meet the growing needs of each individual student as he believes the best teachers inspire students to discover the teacher within. Mr. Cravak is an advocate for student voice and leadership through founding and leading co-curricular programs such as National Honor Society, Stand Up Comedy, Cinema Club, Newspaper. He led his Student Government chapter to a gold medal in Florida, and his World Scholar's Cup team to 1st Place in Taiwan. Mr. Cravak also has a passion for reading and writing children's literature, as he was published in LADYBUG magazine, is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and reads over 500 picture books annually.
HS English and AP English Language and Composition
Mr. Joel Sparks is delighted to be joining AST’s learning community. Joel began his teaching career as an EAL teacher in Korean public schools, and his teaching journey has since taken him home to Canada and onwards to Turkey and China. Joel will be moving to Taiwan from Dalian, China, where he currently teaches English Language Arts, Film Studies, and AP English Language and Composition. Joel holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature from the Universities of Saskatchewan and Ottawa as well as a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University. A lover of stories and outdoor adventures, he enjoys books, films, and video games alongside trekking, motorcycling, and photography. Joel looks forward to sharing his passion for living, learning, and personal growth with the students at AST next year.
Ms. Daisy Chan is excited to be rejoining AST as a secondary school science teacher. Being an alumna of AST, she pursued her B.S.in Chemistry and Biochemistry at UC San Diego and her Master's degree in Teaching and Teacher Leadership at Harvard University. Being trained under the NGSS curriculum, Daisy aims to support student learning through creative teaching methods and exploring project-based learning. She is determined to equip students with essential knowledge and skills to become critical thinkers and empowering them to tackle future challenges.
Ms. Lily Hsu is excited to be back for her 16th year at AST. She is from Southern California; attended UCLA to get her bachelor of science degree in psycho-biology and her master's of education degree in science instruction. She taught in Los Angeles for three years before moving to Taiwan. This year, she is teaching chemistry, biology, and AP biology. She enjoys swimming, playing badminton, baking with her two kids, and traveling.
Charlie, a passionate science teacher with a Master's degree in Sustainability, blends his love for the environment with his dedication to education. He has taught in the US and South Korea. He values curiosity as the driving force behind learning, encouraging his students to question, explore, and discover. Charlie believes in the power of building strong relationships with his students, recognizing that understanding and trust are the foundation for meaningful learning experiences. Beyond academic knowledge, he is committed to fostering life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and empathy. Outside the classroom, Charlie enjoys traveling to immerse himself in different cultures, finding inspiration in diverse perspectives and practices that he eagerly brings back to share with his students at AST.
Ms. Albarracin is a passionate educator who is excited to join AST in the fall! She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with a minor in Secondary Mathematics Education from The University of North Texas and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Technology and Instructional Design. Ms. Albarracin is coming from Dallas, Texas where she spent two years teaching high school mathematics and an additional two years tutoring all levels of math. While there she discovered her passion for project-based learning and served as the Academic Decathlon Math and Music coach. In the classroom, Ms. Albarracin integrates real-world applications into the curriculum to inspire and engage her students. Outside of school, Ms. Albarracin loves making music, board games, and trying new foods.
Mr. Valencia was born in Colombia, but he spent many years living in the USA where he went to college and graduated from Florida Atlantic University with both a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, and a Master's of Science in Teaching Mathematics. He discovered his love for teaching while going to graduate school and had the opportunity to be an adjunct professor at a few colleges in Florida. After teaching in the US, he moved back to Colombia and worked at an American school where he taught all high school grade levels. Six years ago, he decided that he wanted to work in Asia and took on a position in China. During his teaching career, establishing a connection with his students while teaching them in a safe, encouraging, and challenging environment have helped Mr. Valencia motivate his students to explore and learn math. His top priorities are getting to know his students and how they learn, so he can effectively teach them. Mr. Valencia is looking forward to teaching at AST because he feels teaching here will help him grow both as a teacher and a human being while getting to know a new country.
Dr. Madeline Gonzalez is excited about learning and returning to teach at AST. Prior to working at AST, Madeline taught mathematics in Shanghai, was a researcher for two years in Estonia, and taught at numerous universities and state colleges in Florida. She earned her BS in Mathematics Education and MA in Applied Mathematics at the University of South Florida and her PhD in Cryptography at Florida Atlantic University. Madeline believes in the potential for all students to succeed in math and ensures high expectations combined with lots of support. She finds inspiration in seeing her AST students grow academically and socially.
Dr. Tina Ngo is excited to join the AST community. Originally from the northern part of Vietnam, she has called Taiwan home for over 11 years. Dr. Tina holds a Master's in Computer Science from National Tsing Hua University and a Ph.D. in Bio Mechatronics and Engineering from National Taiwan University. Residing with her husband and two daughters, Dr. Tina brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field of computer science. Her areas of passion encompass Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and AI. Dr. Tina has successfully taught a diverse range of courses, including Math, Java/C++, Networking/Cybersecurity, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, and Python/Machine Learning. She is known for implementing multiple projects that engage students in hands-on learning and encourage the application of knowledge to real-world problems. Outside the classroom, Dr. Tina is actively engaged in coaching students for coding competitions, fostering a spirit of innovation and excellence among her students. Her commitment extends to coaching robotic teams, where she is enthusiastic about inspiring and guiding students in the exciting world of robotics.
HS Social Studies, Model United Nations Coordinator, Curriculum Specialist
Ms. Moye is passionate about global citizenship and helping students develop as critical thinkers and lifelong learners. Ms. Moye grew up in Hong Kong, where she attended British and American schools. She has an M.A. in History with a teaching concentration from George Mason University and participated in a two-year teaching fellowship at Stanford University. After being a student activist for human rights for five years, Ms. Moye developed a fifteen-year advocacy career with Amnesty International USA. She transitioned into teaching, her "college plan A" in Washington, DC, where she taught history and geography for five years. Ms. Moye loves living in Taiwan and helping students make connections and contributions to real-world issues.
Mr. Han Kim is a dedicated and globally-minded educator with over a decade of teaching experience across diverse international settings. Holding a Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity University, Mr. Kim seeks to blend academic rigor with a holistic approach to education. With a background that spans the US, China, Honduras, Korea, and Guatemala, he brings a wealth of cross-cultural perspectives to the classroom. While having taught all grade levels from middle to high school, beyond the classroom, Mr. Kim has contributed significantly to education through curriculum planning and design, playing a key role in shaping educational programs in various international schools. As a seasoned department chair, he has led initiatives to create collaborative and growth-oriented cultures within educational communities. A graduate of an international school, his personal connection to international schools informs a deep understanding of their missions and values, shaping a teaching philosophy that prioritizes student well-being, motivations, and growth. Known for creating positive and enriching environments, Mr. Kim stands as a passionate and adaptable educator, dedicated to shaping the future through impactful teaching and leadership.
This is Mr. Michael's 24th year of teaching, 21 of which have been right here in Taiwan. Mr. Michael first came to Taiwan when he was five years old, completing kindergarten and first grade here before leaving with his parents to move frequently between Asia and the U.S. He then returned to Taiwan at the age of seventeen for his final year of high school. Moving on to attend Western Washington University, he was awarded a writing fellowship and became assistant to professors in the writing center there. Graduating magna cum laude, he became a library paraprofessional for five years, then ran two private businesses before returning to Taiwan in 2001 to teach social studies and English. He has a Master of Education degree from Indiana Wesleyan University with a focus on curriculum development, and secured a grant from the Lilly Foundation to research culturally relevant instructional techniques. As a history teacher, Mr. Michael believes that aside from providing a supportive and open environment, students flourish best when challenged to move beyond mere knowledge, and to critically think for themselves rather than simply accept what is presented to them as truth.
Ms. Paula (Pau) Castilla grew up in a small, colorful, and historical city in Colombia called Cartagena. She has been a teacher for over 9 years. Ms. Pau worked in a Spanish immersion school in Minnesota and the rest of her teaching experience has been in different public, private, and international schools in her hometown. Now, she is thrilled to be joining the AST community as the MS/HS Spanish teacher. Ms. Pau holds a specialization in TESOL from Arizona State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Education at Fundación Universitaria Colombo Internacional. She has also been the Head of the Spanish department for 3 years. Ms. Pau is a strong promoter of a safe, fun, and interactive environment in the classroom, and she believes in the power of assertive communication. Ms.Pau thinks learning happens when students feel confident in expressing their own ideas, and when they have the guidance and skill set to use learning a language as a way to get to know more about other cultures. Ms. Pau can’t wait to start this new chapter of her life in Taiwan with AST!
Ms. Chen was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan and has traveled and worked in the U.S. She completed her M.A. in TESOL at the University of Florida. Ms. Chen has 12 years of teaching experience as a Chinese and English teacher. She has taught dual languages from K- 12 and community college. Ms. Chen's teaching experiences in the U.S. and in Taiwan has allowed her to understand students from different cultural backgrounds. She is excited to teach Chinese non-native speakers at AST for the seventh year! Ms. Chen's goal is to create a safe learning environment and make Chinese learning a life-long journey for her students. She is also looking forward to teaching AP Chinese this school year.
Ms. Yaowei Chang has been teaching Chinese at AST for 15 years and is still very enthusiastic about teaching. AST provides a great learning environment for both students and teachers, so she enjoys sharing her knowledge and keeping up her passion for teaching and self-growth. Ms. Chang teaches Chinese for native speakers in the secondary. She believes that language learning should be fun and practical so she uses authentic materials in class. For the past 7 years, she has been the supervisor of the HS Red Cross Club, working with the students to be involved in first aid training, donating food to the Food Bank and coordinating culture exchanges with Fazhi ES (from rural Nantou County). This year, she will also be supervising the Interact Rotary Club and hopes to create more opportunities for students to become involved in community service.
Carmen is a dedicated educator with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education and a Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has taught across multiple states in the US and in South Korea. Her passion lies in fostering connections with her students, understanding their unique needs, and equipping them with essential skills for learning and life beyond the classroom. With extensive training in various research-based reading and instructional programs, Carmen ensures that every student receives tailored support to reach their full potential. Committed to student success, she actively collaborates with fellow educators and engages parents to create a supportive learning environment. Beyond the classroom, Carmen enriches her teaching with a global perspective gained through her love for learning new languages and traveling, allowing her to bring diverse experiences back to her students at AST, preparing them to thrive in an interconnected world.
Ms. Catherine Stark started her adventure as an educator over 15 years ago and has since taught English in China, Turkey, South Korea, Spain, and the Czech Republic as well as Spanish in the United States. She holds a master's degree in Spanish and Applied Linguistics and a bachelor's degree in Communications from Ohio University alongside teaching certifications in ESOL and English Language Arts. Most recently, Catherine has been an EAL Specialist for 4 years at an international school in China. She is proud to bring her passion for learning languages and for language learners to her position as the EAL Specialist at AST. When she's not working with her students, Catherine enjoys exploring the world around her - both near and far. She also enjoys quality time hiking, cooking, and taking photos. She is very excited to be joining the AST community!
Ms. Jenny Chen is the guidance counselor at AST. She will be working with students in guidance and college counseling. Ms. Chen has over two decades of experience in education and 6 years of academic and college counseling. Her goal is to help students resolve their anxiety, discover their strengths and potential, and make informed academic and career choices. Ms. Chen is looking forward to a great year ahead!
Originally from England, Ms. Joanna Morgan has been an international educator for over ten years. She has worked with secondary students from grade 6-12 and has taught a variety of different subjects. Her passion and experience centers around learner’s language development and in 2020, Ms. Morgan completed a Master’s in Education with a focus on multilingual learners. In recent years, she developed an instructional coaching program that was focused on student language acquisition and advancement. She is looking forward to working with the AST community.
Ms. Rubecca Hou is excited to join AST as the new through school counselor. Prior to joining AST, she worked as a whole school counselor at Taipei European School in Taipei and before that as a school counselor at National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Services. She is a professionally licensed counselor with broad experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in both education and community settings. Ms. Rubecca received her B.A. in Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s degree in Counseling from the Johns Hopkins University. She has also attained her counseling certification both in Taiwan and China. Ms. Rubecca loves working with students and believes in the potential of every individual. She looks forward to joining the AST team and a great journey ahead
Dr. Colin Brown joined AST in July, 2020. He has over 25 years in the education field and has held administrative positions or taught in Canada, China, Guatemala, Hungary, Vietnam and the Dominican Republic. Dr. Brown is currently the Board President of the Council of Administrators of Taiwan Expatriate Schools (CATES). He has presented at leadership conferences in Bangkok, Kentucky, Atlanta, Medellin, Abu Dhabi and Cairo on innovations in curriculum development, standards based grading and reporting and a unique teacher professional growth program. Dr. Brown has had numerous educational articles published and has led many workshops for teachers and administrators on new initiatives in education. He has frequently led or served on Cognia/AdvancED accreditation visits around the world (since 2011), and he has also served on or led accreditation visits for CIS/WASC/NEASC. Most recently, Dr. Brown was a contributing author of the book, International Education Leadership: Stories From Around the Globe (2022). Dr. Brown is passionate about continuing to support and guide AST towards academic excellence. His wife, Laura, who teaches third grade, and his two daughters are pleased to be a part of AST's warm community. Dr. Brown's family is truly international as he is Canadian, Laura is Australian, Keira was born in China and Maya was born in Guatemala.
Elementary Principal, Deputy Head of Taiwanese Affairs
Ms. Annie Tung is a proud alumnus of the American School in Taichung. She returned to AST after living and teaching in the United States for over ten years, where she taught in both public and private schools in Northern and Southern California. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of California, and a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Education from the University of California, Irvine. In 2016, she received her administrative credential from the States of Washington. Throughout her years as an educator, Ms. Tung has held a variety of leadership positions, including Elementary School Coordinator, Summer Camp Director, and chair of the Professional Development Committee. She also piloted Mandarin Immersion programs and taught for several years as a classroom teacher. She has presented at TESOL International Conventions and Rotary Clubs. Ms. Tung is passionate about her students and fostering Excellence, Integrity, and Responsibility at AST. She is a wife, mother, and swimmer. Last year Annie swam across Sun Moon Lake and participated in several triathlon relay events with her husband, Joey. She enjoys being on adventures and continues to find joy along the way!
Ms. Kelly Konicki joined AST in the 2022-2023 school year. Although originally from Chicago, Illinois she's lived in Seattle, Washington for most of her life. For the past 4 years, she has been the Associate Principal at Juanita High School and the Summer School Principal in the Lake Washington school district. Ms. Konicki is passionate about building and supporting systems focused on developing skills and character traits needed for life-long learning. In her previous middle school, and at the district level, she led work in advancing science curriculum, multi-tiered systems of support, standards based grading and district-wide social emotional learning. Ms. Konicki has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology from Washington State University, a Master’s in Teaching degree from Western Washington University (WWU) and certification in Educational Leadership and Administration from WWU as well. She will be moving to Taiwan with her husband Nacime, who is a Pacific Northwest native and works in the film production industry. Ms. Konicki and her husband are looking forward to the incredible culture Taiwan has to offer and to being active members of the AST community.
Mrs. Jennifer Sylvester has been a part of the AST community since 2022. She has served students and families in Texas and China for the past 13 years as a curriculum coordinator, Special Education teacher and English teacher. She holds a Master of Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Houston. As a lifelong and life-wide learner, she is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in leadership and management with an emphasis on global and international education from Drexel University. She has also served as a Western Association of Schools and College's accreditation visiting team member in Tokyo, Japan and Yangon, Myanmar. She is passionate about supporting teachers, so they can help students achieve their highest potential. She will be moving to Taiwan with her husband and daughter who will be a 10th grade student at AST.
Secondary Assistant Principal, HS Economics and Finance
Darian George is a social studies/economics teacher who has worked in Illinois, Indiana, Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Colombia. He holds a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from Illinois State University, Masters of Arts in Teaching from Rockford University (his hometown university) and a Masters of Science in Education Administration from the University of Kansas. He was also a track and field coach for almost a decade in the United States and Honduras. Mr. George conducts research on the science of reading and believes that math and reading are those multiplying skills that impact most aspects of learning. Although he has over 11 years of experience teaching abroad, this will be his first time working and living in Taiwan.
Ms. Tanya Turner moved to Taiwan with her husband and young daughter more than 20 years ago, and they loved it so much that they decided to make it their permanent home! Over the years, Ms. Turner has taught a wide variety of subjects to G1-G6 students; most recently, she has acted as head teacher, computer science teacher and course coordinator, and educational technology coach. Ms. Turner has a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in English and Classical Civilizations, and a Master's in Education degree with a focus on educational technology. She is passionate about teaching computer science and collaborating with various stakeholders to further the usage of multimedia for enhanced cross-curricular technology integration. She believes in getting the most out of every situation to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible, and this is clearly visible in her student-centered style. Ms. Turner is delighted to be joining the AST team, and she is excited about working with this amazing learning community!
Anthony Timpano is excited to be returning to teach ES STEM, Design Thinking, Innovation coaching and coordinate the Makerspace at AST. He has taught for 19.5 years and came to AST keen to develop our Makerspace. Anthony came from Geelong, a coastal town near Melbourne, Australia. After getting married in May 2020, Anthony and his wife decided to move to Taiwan to be closer to her family. He holds a Masters of Education degree (Digital Technologies focus) from Tabor Adelaide, a Bachelor of Teaching degree (Primary and Secondary) from Deakin University, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management, a Biological Resource Management degree from Federation University, and a CELTA from Cambridge University. He even is a qualified life coach, something he obtained to better his homeroom duties. Anthony is certified to teach from 1st grade to Senior High School. He has taught 14.5 years in Australia, 3 years in Japan and 2 years in Taiwan, so far. His teaching experience is diverse, spanning many different year levels and curriculum areas. Anthony loves DIY, weight training and salsa music. He is a life-long learner with a short-term plan of beginning his PhD. He loves making learning engaging and seeing students flourish! Anthony will host our new Makerspace and devote his time to making design thinking at the heart of all students’ daily lives.
Ms. Christine Lin is the visual arts teacher at AST. She is an AST alumni and grew up in Taichung, Taiwan. Ms. Lin studied at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia; majored in Art Education and minored in Art History. She moved to Northern Virginia for four years after she graduated and became an art teacher at Freedom Hill Elementary School and Bailey’s Elementary School. Ms. Lin also pursued her early childhood education Master’s degree at Arizona State University while she was working. She enjoys traveling, going to music concerts, food exploring, and painting. She has a passion for art, especially 2D art like painting, graphics, illustration, and drawings. Ms. Lin looks forward to creating with young passionate artists in the classroom.
MS and HS Digital Media, Video Production and Publications
Mr. Godfrey Semwaiko is excited to be returning to teach at AST. In addition to the two years he spent teaching art and digital media at AST, Godfrey also brings his experience from paintings, sculptures, and digital arts including interactive books, animations, graphic design, and video production. His projects as a Children’s Book Illustrator, Designer, and Animator have won recognition from UNESCO, Heinemann-UK, Water Aid project, PACE - UK, FEMA magazine and Mkuki na Nyota Publishers to name a few. For nine years, he worked as a creative producer and graphics designer at the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation, helping establish TBC’s new interactive, online media convergence department. Godfrey holds a MultiMedia and Film Technology Diploma from Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) with an emphasis on emergent digital Broadcasting and New Media industries. In 2016, Godfrey designed a project for DIT to create a 3D Virtual Tour Guide, the project won him the Best Student of the Year Certificate (2016). Godfrey is looking forward to continuing to be a part of the vibrant AST community along with his daughter, Jada.
Dr. Michael Wiles is excited to be teaching performing arts at AST for a seventeenth year. Prior to working at AST, he taught music for two years at Taipei American School. He holds a doctorate in education from the University of Durham with an emphasis on creativity education, and a diploma in performance studies from the Royal College of Music, London. His research has been published in Musicae Scientiae, the Journal of the European Society for the Cognitive Sciences of Music. He is passionate about teaching, learning, and nurturing students’ artistic talents. Michael lives in Taichung with his wife, Jenny, and looks forward to another amazing year as part of the AST community.
Tambirai (Tambi) Bingu Mutharika is excited to be a part of the AST community. Before working at AST, he taught for ten years at Washington Elementary Bilingual School, International Department. As a teacher there, he taught a variety of subjects including Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, Computers and Physical Education from grades 1-6. Eventually, Tambi was promoted to Headteacher, a position he held for four years. Tambi was born in Zimbabwe but was raised and schooled in Michigan, USA. Tambi is both a certified US soccer and USAB basketball coach. Growing up, he traveled the world learning about many different cultures, and this has helped make him a people person! As a teacher, Tambi strives to motivate and encourage students and athletes to realize and reach their full potential! Tambi believe in teamwork and believes that as a unit, people are capable of the impossible!
Dr. Yasmin Pakzad-Mayer is excited to be returning to teach PE and Nutrition at AST for the next school year. After teaching 4 years at AST, she is looking forward to continuing to improve the PE program. Yasmin brings experience from teaching middle school and high school in Germany and teaching ESOL in an elementary school in Taiwan. After studying at the premium Sports University in Cologne and earning her Master's degree and education degree, she came to Taiwan with her husband, learned Chinese and started a PhD program at the Taiwan National Sport University in Linkou. After taking a break to spend some time with her new son, Yasmin finished her PhD in Sport Science (2019). Yasmin has a passion for martial arts and has been practicing it since she was a child. She strongly believes being active and eating healthy is key to a healthy lifestyle and models this by actively participating with students in PE classes. She hopes that every student can find enjoyment in one kind of physical activity and thrive and excel at it.